Apple is reportedly expanding its smart home offerings through a collaborative partnership with LG Electronics. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the two companies co-developed a lineup of connected devices that includes a smart doorbell, a smart thermostat, a deadbolt lock, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and a floodlight camera.
Despite being a joint development effort, the hardware will carry the LG brand rather than Apple’s. LG will handle manufacturing and product support for the accessories. Bloomberg notes that these items are expected to launch in several months, following an earlier release of Apple-branded devices tied to the same ecosystem.
The new product slate is anticipated to debut next week alongside a dedicated smart home hub from Apple. This hub, which has been in development for several years and reportedly features Siri AI capabilities, serves as the central component of Apple’s renewed push into connected home technology. The event may also feature a revamped HomePod Mini and an updated TV set-top box.
This collaboration represents a strategic shift for LG, which has historically focused on large appliances and electronics rather than smart home peripherals. However, the South Korean company has previously supplied Apple with components for other products, including display panels for the Studio Display monitors and Apple software integration for its televisions.
Another hub? Just what the smart home market needed. I hope Siri integration doesn’t mean locking me in further.
So Apple provides the brain and LG builds the body? I guess it makes sense for quality control.